The competitive mid-range market heats with the new Redmi Note 13 5G
The Indian smartphone market is abuzz with exciting new releases in the mid-range segment. With several brands offering compelling features and powerful performance under ₹20,000, choosing the right phone can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 contenders, each bringing unique strengths to the table.
1. Top 5 Phones Under ₹20,000 in India 2024
Redmi Note 13 5G:
- 108MP camera prowess: Capture stunning details with its 108MP primary sensor, complemented by a 2MP depth sensor for portrait shots.
- Smooth and immersive display: Enjoy vivid visuals on the 6.67-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Powerful performance: Breeze through tasks with the MediaTek Dimensity 6080 chipset and Mali-G57 GPU.
- Fast charging: Replenish the 5,000mAh battery quickly with 33W fast charging.
- The Redmi Note series, once a reigning champion in the Indian budget smartphone market, has seen its fervor dwindle in recent years. With the arrival of the Redmi Note 13, whispers of a comeback are starting to circulate, but does this new device hold enough weight to reignite the series’ lost spark? We got our hands on the Note 13 early and put it through its paces in an unboxing and first impressions video, and here’s what we found.
- First Glance: A Modern, Boxy Design
- The Redmi Note 13 arrives in a clean white box, housing the phone, a TPU case, documentation, and a 33W USB Type-A charger with a USB Type-A to Type-C cable. The phone itself is surprisingly thin and light, weighing in at a mere 173.6g, making it incredibly pocket-friendly. Despite its plastic back, the phone boasts a sleek, modern design with flat edges and a square camera module.
- Display and Build: Mixed Bag with Unmissable Downgrades
- The display, a 6.67-inch FHD 120Hz AMOLED panel, is a mixed bag. While the bezels are slim and the viewing experience is immersive, the downgrade from the 1200 nits brightness of the Note 12 to 1000 nits is noticeable. Additionally, the lack of HDR support and the switch back to mono speakers, a feature Redmi pioneered in budget phones, raise eyebrows.
- Performance and Price: Potential, but Questions Remain
- The Redmi Note 13 packs the Dimensity 6080 SoC, a rebranded version of the older Dimensity 810 with a few tweaks. However, the base variant in India only offers 4GB RAM and 128GB storage, a disappointing move considering the price range is expected to be around Rs 15,000-17,000. This is especially concerning when phones with 6GB RAM and 128GB storage are available in the Rs 10,000 range.
- Camera: Disappointing Omission Hampers Potential
- The camera setup is another area of concern. While the 108MP primary sensor sounds impressive, the lack of an ultrawide lens is a significant downgrade. This feature has become increasingly standard in budget phones, and its absence in the Note 13 is a major misstep. The selfie camera, at 16MP, seems decent but needs further testing.
- Early Verdict: Potential Unfulfilled, Wait for the Price
- The Redmi Note 13 leaves us with mixed feelings. While the design is sleek and the performance seems adequate, the downgrades in display, speakers, RAM, and camera are hard to ignore. The lack of an ultrawide lens is a particularly glaring omission. Ultimately, the phone’s fate hinges on its price point. If Redmi manages to launch it at a compelling price under Rs 13,000, it might still find some takers. However, at its expected price range of Rs 15,000-17,000, it faces stiff competition from phones offering better specs and features.
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is the Redmi Note 13 a good upgrade from the Note 12? It depends on your priorities. If display brightness and stereo speakers are important to you, then the Note 12 might be a better choice. However, if you prefer a thinner phone and prioritize performance, the Note 13 could be an option, but only if the price is right.
- Does the Redmi Note 13 have an ultrawide camera? No, unfortunately, the base variant of the Note 13 only has a dual camera setup with a 108MP primary sensor and a 2MP macro sensor.
- What is the expected price of the Redmi Note 13 in India? The expected price range is Rs 15,000-17,000, but the final price hasn’t been officially announced yet.
OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G:
- Expansive viewing experience: Immerse yourself in content on the large 6.72-inch LCD display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Capable performance: Handle everyday tasks and gaming smoothly with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 chipset.
- Versatile camera setup: Explore photography with a 108MP primary camera, 2MP macro lens, and 2MP depth sensor.
- OxygenOS 13 for a smooth experience: Enjoy a clean and intuitive software experience with OnePlus’s signature OxygenOS 13.
- The OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite has arrived, bringing a fresh blend of style, performance, and value to the under Rs. 20,000 smartphone market. We took a closer look at this promising device to uncover its strengths and weaknesses. Here are our unboxing and first impressions.
- Design: Striking Looks and a Comfortable Feel
- Eye-catching color options: The Nord CE 3 Lite stands out with its two vibrant color choices: a refreshing Pastel Lime and a classic Chromatic Grey.
- Premium feel despite plastic build: While the phone opts for a plastic back and frame, it manages to exude a premium look and feel, easily rivaling devices in higher price brackets.
- Flat edges and comfortable grip: The flat sides and well-balanced weight distribution make it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods.
- Display: A Large and Vibrant Canvas
- Immersive 6.72-inch IPS LCD: The phone boasts a spacious display with a 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, ensuring smooth visuals and a responsive experience.
- Decent brightness and viewing angles: While it’s not an AMOLED panel, the IPS LCD offers good brightness levels (680 nits) and decent viewing angles.
- Stereo speakers for immersive audio: Dual stereo speakers enhance multimedia enjoyment, providing a richer audio experience.
- Performance: Optimized for Smooth Everyday Use
- Snapdragon 695 5G SoC: The Nord CE 3 Lite packs a capable processor that handles everyday tasks and gaming with ease.
- AnTuTu score of 4.20L: Benchmark scores indicate solid performance, making it a strong contender in its price segment.
- Stays cool under pressure: Even during extended gaming sessions, the phone manages to maintain its temperature well, ensuring optimal performance.
- Battery: Long-Lasting Power with Fast Charging
- 5000mAh battery for all-day endurance: The large battery capacity promises to keep you going through a full day of use without worries.
- 67W SuperVOOC charging: When you need a quick top-up, the 67W charging technology can take the battery from 0 to 80% in just 30 minutes.
- Stay tuned for our full review, where we’ll delve deeper into the Nord CE 3 Lite’s camera capabilities, software experience, and overall value proposition.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Does the Nord CE 3 Lite support HDR content? No, it does not have HDR support for streaming platforms like Netflix or YouTube. However, you can still enjoy Full HD content.
- Is there an IP rating for water resistance? No, the phone does not have an official IP certification for water or dust resistance.
- Does it have an alert slider? Unfortunately, the alert slider, a popular feature on OnePlus devices, is not present on the Nord CE 3 Lite.
Realme 11 5G:
- Exceptional charging speed: Power up rapidly with 67W SuperVOOC charging, capable of reaching 50% charge in just 17 minutes.
- Sharp and fluid display: Experience smooth visuals on the 6.72-inch Samsung AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate.
- Reliable performance: Enjoy seamless multitasking with the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ SoC and 8GB of RAM.
Samsung Galaxy M34:
- Exceptional display: Immerse yourself in content on the vibrant 6.6-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,000 nits.
- Optical image stabilization: Capture steady shots even in low light with the 50MP primary camera featuring OIS.
- Powerful Exynos 1280 SoC: Experience smooth performance and efficient power management.
iQOO Z7s 5G:
- Sleek and stylish design: Stand out with its elegant aesthetics and slim profile.
- Smooth performance: Enjoy lag-free gaming and multitasking with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 5G SoC.
- Sharp and vibrant display: View content with clarity on the 6.38-inch full-HD+ display with a 90Hz refresh rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which phone has the best camera under ₹20,000?
A: The Redmi Note 13 5G and Realme 11 5G both offer impressive 108MP primary cameras, while the Samsung Galaxy M34 stands out with its OIS-equipped 50MP sensor.
Q: Which phone has the best display under ₹20,000?
A: The Redmi Note 13 5G, Realme 11 5G, and Samsung Galaxy M34 all offer AMOLED displays with 120Hz refresh rates, ensuring smooth visuals and vibrant colors.
Q: Which phone has the fastest charging under ₹20,000?
A: The Realme 11 5G takes the lead with its 67W SuperVOOC charging, capable of charging the battery to 50% in just 17 minutes.
Conclusion
With such a diverse range of options, each excelling in different areas, the final decision comes down to your personal priorities. Consider your preferences for camera capabilities, display quality, performance, charging speed, and design to find the perfect match for your needs.
Meta Description: Looking for the best phone under ₹20,000 in India? Explore our top picks, featuring impressive cameras, powerful performance, and fast charging capabilities.